The Texas written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices

The Texas written test — officially called the Knowledge Test — asks 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety. You need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test covers only Texas traffic rules and common road situations; it does not include questions about your personal driving history or local city ordinances.

The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you take it on a computer at your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. You can take the test as many times as you need, though you must wait one day between attempts if you fail.

Key Takeaways

  • The test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.
  • Questions focus on Texas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices — not local ordinances or your personal driving record.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DPS office with no time limit, and you can retake it the next day if you fail.
  • The Texas Driver Handbook, available free online from DPS, covers all the material tested.

Road signs and what they mean

About one-third of the test asks you to identify road signs and understand what they tell you to do. You will see the actual shape and color of signs — a red octagon for stop, a yellow diamond for warning, a white rectangle for regulatory signs — and choose what the sign means.

Common sign questions include: what a yield sign requires you to do, what a one-way sign means, what a no-passing zone sign looks like, and what school zone speed limits are. You may also see questions about pedestrian crossing signs, construction zone signs, and signs that show lane use or turn restrictions.

Right-of-way and intersection rules

The test includes several questions about who has the right of way in different situations. These cover four-way stops, two-way stops, traffic lights, and uncontrolled intersections. A typical question might ask: "At a four-way stop, two cars arrive at the same time. One is turning left, one is going straight. Who goes first?"

You will also see questions about turning left across oncoming traffic, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, and what to do when a traffic light is broken. These questions test whether you understand that right-of-way is not the same as having a green light — you must still yield to avoid a crash.

Speed limits and safe following distance

The test asks about Texas speed limit rules: the default 70 mph on highways, 55 mph in urban areas, and 20 mph in school zones during school hours. You will also see questions about when you must slow down — for example, when you see a school bus with its red lights flashing, or when visibility is poor.

Several questions cover safe following distance. Texas law requires you to leave enough space so that you can stop without hitting the car ahead if it stops suddenly. The test may ask how many seconds of distance you should leave at highway speeds, or what to do if someone is tailgating you.

Parking, backing up, and lane changes

You will see questions about where you can and cannot park — for example, you cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or in a handicap space without a permit. The test also covers backing up safely, including the rule that you must never back up on a highway.

Lane change questions test whether you know when to signal, how long to signal before changing lanes, and how to check your mirrors and blind spots. A question might ask what you must do before changing lanes, or what happens if you change lanes without signaling.

Alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving

The test includes questions about Texas drunk driving laws, including the legal blood alcohol limit (0.08 percent for drivers 21 and older) and the penalties for driving under the influence. You will also see questions about the dangers of drugs and medications that affect your ability to drive.

Several questions cover distracted driving — using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. The test may ask what you should do if you feel too tired to drive, or what the safest way to use a cell phone in a car is (the answer is: hands-free, or not at all while driving).

Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and large vehicles

The test asks how to safely share the road with people walking and riding bicycles. You will see questions about yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, giving cyclists enough space when passing, and what to do if a pedestrian is in the street illegally.

You may also see questions about large trucks and buses — for example, the blind spots around a truck, or why you should not cut in front of a truck. The test covers railroad crossings, including the rule that you must stop at least 15 feet from the tracks if a train is coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study from a book, or do I have to use the online version?

Either works. The Texas Driver Handbook is available as a free PDF on the DPS website, or you can pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. The content is the same either way. Some people find it helpful to read the handbook once, then take practice tests online to see which topics they need to review.

Are the practice tests online the same as the real test?

The practice tests cover the same topics and use the same format (multiple choice, 30 questions), but the specific questions are different. Taking practice tests helps you get used to how questions are worded and which topics appear most often, but you should also study the handbook to understand the rules, not just memorize answers.

What if I fail the test?

You can retake it the next day at any DPS office. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Most people who fail study the handbook again and focus on the topics they found hardest, then pass on the second or third attempt.

Is the test different if I am under 18?

The written test is the same for all ages. However, if you are under 18, you must also pass a road test and follow additional restrictions (like the graduated license program) before you can drive alone. The written test itself does not change based on your age.

Can I bring notes or a study guide into the test?

No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing room. The test is taken on a computer, and you answer questions based only on what you have studied beforehand. You are allowed to ask the DPS staff to clarify what a question is asking, but they cannot help you answer it.